MetroKing, America's first domestically-made taxi since Checker?
Click on the image above for a gallery of MetroKing's new taxi
Although the two events seemingly have nothing to do with each other, a new company called MetroKing has sprung up that hopes of manufacturing cabs in America just as former taxi maker Checker has filed for bankruptcy.
Starting with the underpinnings from a two-wheel drive Chevrolet Colorado Chassis Cab Work Truck, MetroKing replaces the pickup bed with a passenger compartment of its own design that features room for six occupants. The company points out that their design is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, being wheelchair accessible through a unique side access ramp. Interestingly, luggage rides alongside the driver on a dedicated tray, there is no passenger seating next to the driver. Thankfully, air conditioning is standard for the passenger compartment.
MetroKing offers its cab with either General Motors' 185-horsepower 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine or the larger 3.7L inline-five with 242-horsepower. In either case, both are mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission.
We're not sure we care for the vehicle's London taxi-meets-cable-guy-truck aesthetics, but it's hard to argue with the potential versatility here. If nothing else, we like that the vehicle is built in the U.S. (Ford's Crown Victoria is built in Canada), and it has some nifty features, including a rear passenger compartment that can be removed as a single unit and refurbished for further use after its donor vehicle has been worn out. As veteran cab passengers, that sounds like a welcome development to us. Thanks for the tip, Michael!
Gallery: MetroKing taxi
[Source: MetroKing]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Torrent 5:35PM (1/30/2009)
Of all vehicles.......
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Stumpy 5:36PM (1/30/2009)
I would be afraid to get in that thing.
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StanleyVanBuren 5:38PM (1/30/2009)
Kill it with fire.
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Level 5:42PM (1/30/2009)
What in the world were they smoking?
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Farmboy 7:06PM (1/30/2009)
Just go ask Willie Nelson.
aftcoengineering 1:54PM (2/04/2009)
In order to manufacture a purpose built vehicle one would think it takes a lot of dedication ,money and time. So, chances are the team that accomplished this would not have much time in their hands to smoke or visit and hang out with brother Willey.
It seems they are concerned about mobilizing people with special needs and creating jobs. Looks have to follow function and Rules dictate interior volume for accessibility.
If smoking creates jobs and starts up new manufacturing companies particularly as complex as making cars then let's smoke on, even Obama would join being this is politically correct.
Moose 5:44PM (1/30/2009)
Kill it! Salt and Burn its bones so that it can never rise again!
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Ken 5:45PM (1/30/2009)
If you wanted to know what failure looks like, this is it.
Someone submit to failblog :) or i guess it should be :| unamused
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Eric Liberatore 5:47PM (1/30/2009)
Unless that thing is the CashCab, I ain't gettin in it!
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Pokey 5:50PM (1/30/2009)
To anyone who has ever wondered if the ugly duckling Colorado could get any uglier, here's your answer!
Yes, yes you can.
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caddy-v 10:49PM (1/30/2009)
I thought it was an 09 Sequoia.
The Luigiian 5:51PM (1/30/2009)
I feel so sorry for the Colorado right now. That looks absolutely terrible.
I don't... get the six-passenger carrying capacity. Isn't there a point where a vehicle ceases to be a taxi and becomes a shuttle or a regular bus? I mean, I know that the difference is that a bus goes on a fixed route whereas a taxi will take individual passengers wherever they ask to go, but in terms of size this is kind of pushing the whole taxi concept.
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henrykrinkle 5:52PM (1/30/2009)
I wouldn't let my garbage ride in that.
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Doug 5:52PM (1/30/2009)
The first domestically made cab since Checker? All the cabs I've ever been in have been Crow Vics made in Michigan...
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Robert Pierce 5:58PM (1/30/2009)
seconded...
i think the only time i've been in a taxi that WASN'T domestically made (whether a vic, a 300, an impala, or whatever) was in Vancouver... where all the taxis are either Corollas or Prii.
krayzeeasskris 6:48PM (1/30/2009)
actually, the crown vic is made in canada, hoser
Doug 6:57PM (1/30/2009)
Touche... But, living in Detroit, we consider Canada to be USA Junior anyhow. My comment still stands.
ToniCipriani 3:37PM (2/01/2009)
Also the Ford Escape Hybrid. Made in Missouri.
Doug 5:25PM (2/01/2009)
Town Cars are in fact made in MI and those are used as cabs as well.
Markona 5:59PM (1/30/2009)
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
In South Africa the police use patrol vans which look like that, except the windows have bars and the passengers can't open the doors from inside.
And I'm sure dangerous mentally-unstable patients are transported in vehicles like this too.
What were they thinking?
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